Podcast appearances and mentions of king cyrus

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Ezra 5-6; Psalm 138; Luke 16 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! On this October 3rd episode, join your host Hunter as we journey together through Day 277 of our year-long exploration of scripture. Today, we'll open the pages of Ezra chapters 5 and 6, where we witness the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem and God's faithfulness to His people. We'll pause with David in Psalm 138 to reflect on gratitude and God's loving kindness. Then, we'll dive into Luke 16, where Jesus shares parables about stewardship, faithfulness, and the powerful story of the rich man and Lazarus—a timely reminder about the true riches found in God, not in material wealth. Along the way, Hunter offers reflections on heart posture, spiritual blindness, and the gift of being “named” and known by God. He closes with heartfelt prayers and practical encouragement to care for both body and soul, reminding us all that as we seek God together—no matter where we are in the world—we are deeply loved. So, grab your Bible, settle in, and let's walk this path of faith together today. The Story of the Named and Nameless: Faith, Riches, and Resurrection Lessons from Ezra, Psalms, and Luke: The Blessings of Faith and Humility Sitting with the Named Ones: Discovering Faith Beyond Riches Ezra's Restoration, David's Praise, and Jesus' Parables on Faithfulness Blindness of Wealth and the Hope of Resurrection: Insights from Luke 16 Walking in Faith: Rebuilding Hearts and Homes in God's Name From Exile to Celebration: God's Faithfulness Through Ezra, Psalms, and Luke Learning Humility and Hope from the Table of Abraham and Lazarus Faith That Sees: Overcoming the Blindness of Comfort and Riches Daily Reading, Daily Renewal: Finding Joy and Strength in God's Word Sure! Here are 30 topical keywords covered in this transcript: Ezra, Temple rebuilding, King Darius, King Cyrus, Jerusalem, Passover, exile, burnt offerings, Haggai, Zechariah, Persian kings, gold and silver cups, Babylonian exile, Psalm 138, worship, faithfulness, God's promises, prayer, humility, protection, resurrection, New Testament, Luke 16, parables, rich man and Lazarus, wealth, generosity, repentance, Moses and the Prophets, eternal life, daily devotion Hunter's Story (Short Bio Format): During a critical period in Jerusalem's history, when the city's temple lay in ruins, Hunter found himself among a resilient group determined to restore what was lost. Inspired by the voices of prophets like Haggai and Zechariah, who urged the people to rebuild in the name of their God, Hunter joined Zerubbabel and Jeshua in rekindling the effort to reconstruct the Temple. Their work soon attracted attention from the authorities: Tataniah, the governor west of the Euphrates, accompanied by his associates, challenged the project, demanding to know who had authorized the reconstruction. Despite the obstacles and scrutiny, Hunter and his companions persevered, guided by faith and the encouragement of the prophets—striving to restore both their temple and their community spirit. Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! On this October 3rd episode, join your host Hunter as we journey together through Day 277 of our year-long exploration of scripture. Today, we'll open the pages of Ezra chapters 5 and 6, where we witness the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem and God's faithfulness to His people. We'll pause with David in Psalm 138 to reflect on gratitude and God's loving kindness. Then, we'll dive into Luke 16, where Jesus shares parables about stewardship, faithfulness, and the powerful story of the rich man and Lazarus—a timely reminder about the true riches found in God, not in material wealth. Along the way, Hunter offers reflections on heart posture, spiritual blindness, and the gift of being “named” and known by God. He closes with heartfelt prayers and practical encouragement to care for both body and soul, reminding us all that as we seek God together—no matter where we are in the world—we are deeply loved. So, grab your Bible, settle in, and let's walk this path of faith together today. Absolutely! Here are 10 thoughtful discussion questions based on the October 3rd, 2025 episode of the Daily Radio Bible: Reflecting on Ezra 5-6, what stood out to you about the rebuilding of the Temple and the challenges the Jews faced? How did God's intervention influence the outcome? In Psalm 138, David expresses deep gratitude and trust in God's faithfulness. Are there recent moments in your life where you experienced God's faithfulness in a personal way? In Luke 16, Jesus shares the parable of the shrewd manager. What lessons do you think Jesus wanted us to learn about stewardship, honesty, and the use of worldly resources? The story of the rich man and Lazarus highlights issues of wealth, privilege, and compassion. How do you see these themes playing out in your own life or in your community? Hunter discusses being blinded by riches and what it means to ‘forget your name.' In practical terms, what are ways we can guard our hearts against spiritual blindness or self-centeredness? What role do faith and trust play in our interactions with others, especially those in need, as reflected in the teachings of this episode? The episode highlights “the named ones”—those remembered in scripture for their faith. Who are the ‘named ones' in your own spiritual journey that inspire you? Hunter encourages listeners to take care of both body and soul. How do you balance spiritual and physical well-being in your daily life? Prayer is central to this episode. How has prayer—either through traditional prayers like the Lord's Prayer, or your own spontaneous prayers—shaped your relationship with God? The episode ends with the reminder that ‘you are loved.' How does knowing and internalizing God's love change the way you approach daily challenges and relationships? Feel free to use these questions for personal reflection or group discussion! Certainly! Here's a comprehensive sequence of topics covered in the episode "Daily Radio Bible – October 3rd, 2025," with sub-topic bullets for each primary topic: 1. Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast Hunter greets listeners and notes the date and day of the Bible journey. Introduces himself as a Bible reading coach, journeying with listeners daily. Emphasizes the goal: to let the Bible guide towards the Living Word, Jesus. 2. Daily Scripture Readings Book of Ezra (Chapters 5 and 6) Prophets Haggai and Zechariah encourage the rebuilding of the temple. Opposition from local officials and the intervention of King Darius. King Darius confirms Cyrus's decree allowing the rebuilding and orders resources to be provided. Celebration and dedication of the completed temple. Celebration of Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. Psalm 138 David gives thanks and praises God's unfailing love and faithfulness. Emphasis on God's care for the humble and protection in times of trouble. Affirmation of God's enduring faithful love and the plea not to be abandoned. Luke 16 Parable of the shrewd manager, focusing on faithfulness with worldly resources. Teaching on the impossibility of serving both God and money. Critique of the Pharisees' value system. Parable of the rich man and Lazarus, highlighting the consequences of hard-heartedness and blindness to spiritual poverty. 3. Reflection and Commentary on the Readings Focus on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Contrast between the nameless rich man (representing spiritual blindness) and Lazarus (a named, faithful individual). Warning about the hardening of heart due to wealth and reliance on status. Emphasis on the hope of resurrection and being known—having a name—by God. The importance of living by faith rather than trusting wealth or reputation. 4. Prayer and Personal Application Multiple prayers for guidance, protection, and for God's purposes to be fulfilled. Petition for peace, love, understanding, and living out God's will in practical ways. Gratitude expressed for God's mercies, creation, and redemption. 5. Practical Encouragement and Farewell Hunter encourages listeners to also take care of their physical bodies (e.g., taking a walk, enjoying nature). Affirms the value of time spent investing in the soul and spirit through Scripture. Personal anecdote about enjoying disc golf and being mindful of seasonal changes. Invitation to return for the next podcast episode and a reminder of God's love for each listener. This episode weaves together Scripture reading, reflection, prayer, and practical life encouragement, offering both spiritual insight and daily life application for listeners. Today we dove deep into the wisdom of Ezra, Psalms, and Luke, exploring how faith, gratitude, and humility can transform both our personal and professional lives. We learned that true success isn't measured by wealth or status, but by the richness of our soul and our generosity toward others. Remember: Invest in what truly matters—your character, your purpose, and your impact on those around you. Let every day be an opportunity to build lasting value, both in business and in life. Absolutely! Here's a LinkedIn post inspired by the October 3rd, 2025 episode of the Daily Radio Bible podcast: On today's episode of the Daily Radio Bible, I was reminded of the power of faith, perspective, and gratitude. Hunter took us through passages from Ezra, Psalms, and Luke—forming a moving meditation on humility, spiritual focus, and the value of small, daily investments in our souls. Here are three key takeaways that resonated with me: Guard against the blindness of privilege: The story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16) serves as a reminder not to let wealth or comfort blind us to our own need for God or the needs of others. Faithfulness in little things matters: Whether it's tending to the tasks at hand, caring for your health, or nurturing your relationships—Hunter encourages us to value the daily “little things” that shape our character. Invest in what truly pays off: As Hunter beautifully put it, spending time listening, reflecting, and drawing near to God is an investment that yields lifelong dividends, unlike many of the distractions that vie for our attention. Let's prioritize what's truly valuable—both in our spiritual journeys and our day-to-day routines. Have you made time lately for what matters most? #DailyRadioBible #Faith #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualWellness #Gratitude Subject: Feasting with the Named Ones – DRB Newsletter for October 3, 2025 Dear DRB Family, Grace and peace to you on this beautiful October day! As always, thank you for joining us on our daily journey through the Bible. Our latest episode, "October 3rd, 2025," is now available, and we're so glad you could share in this time around the warmth of God's love. Today's Readings: Ezra 5-6 Psalm 138 Luke 16 Highlights from This Episode In today's reading, we revisited the incredible story of how faith, perseverance, and God's providence enabled the Israelites to rebuild the temple amidst opposition. As we learned from Ezra, even earthly kings like Cyrus and Darius can become surprising instruments in God's redemption story. Psalm 138 reminded us of God's constant faithfulness, while in Luke 16, Jesus offered the stirring parable of the rich man and Lazarus. A Reflection on Names, Riches, and Faith Host Hunter shared a poignant meditation on the difference between the “named ones” and the nameless in Jesus's story. While the rich man in the parable was left without a name—lost in his riches and blind to his need for God—Lazarus was named, honored, and welcomed at Abraham's side. The reminder for us: our trust belongs not in wealth or reputation, but in the God who raises the humble and knows us by name. Let us nurture hearts that recognize our need for God and rejoice in the gifts—both earthly and eternal—that He freely gives. Daily Encouragement Hunter also encouraged us to move our bodies in gratitude for the life we have, just as we invest time nourishing our souls with Scripture. Whether it's a walk outdoors, a gentle stretch, or simply deep breaths of fresh air, these moments can remind us of God's presence. Let's Pray Together As always, this episode closed with heartfelt prayers of thanksgiving, intercession, and the Lord's Prayer—rooting us in God's goodness and mercy each new day. Action Steps: Take some time today to move your body and thank God for the life and breath you've been given. Reflect on the ways God has named and loved you, regardless of your circumstances. Invite someone to listen to today's episode and join our community of daily Bible readers. Thank you for investing these precious moments into your soul. Until next time, remember: you are loved. In His love, The Daily Radio Bible Team P.S. Have feedback or a prayer request? We'd love to hear from you—just reply to this email! And don't forget to take time to breathe, move, and let God's joy be your strength today. [Listen to the episode] [Visit our podcast page] [Support the DRB]

Fr. Mitch discusses how the Lord confronts Israel as they bristle at His decision to position a Gentile, King Cyrus, as Israel's “Messiah”, to set them free from the Babylonians.

In this episode of The Jen Keller Show, we dive into Ezra 1:1–6 and Luke 16–18 to uncover what it means to rebuild after a season of exile, loss, or setback. Just as God stirred the heart of King Cyrus to release His people and provide for the rebuilding of the temple, He is moving in your life today—aligning people, resources, and opportunities to help you rise again.We'll talk about:How God uses unexpected people and situations to fulfill His promises.Why rebuilding requires both faith and action.What it looks like to rebuild your “temple” in family, business, and life.How Luke 16–18 shows us the heart posture needed to steward well, stay humble, and trust God as we rebuild.This episode will challenge you to see your own season of rebuilding as a divine invitation—God is calling you forward, but it's up to you to take the step.In a world where being perfect seems to be the goal- - it's important that we know who's we are & who we are. We aren't called to be perfect - we are called to be better today than yesterday! - that's it. It doesn't have to be quantum leaps, in fact I believe that in the day to day -our little steps in the right directions! I am on a mission to help women become more of who they were created to be and less of who they were told to be. And, that takes intention, that takes action : My goal is to drop some wisdom, bring you resources and that takes community. The real unlock is the Inner Work, and that's what we do here! If you enjoyed today's episode, please: • Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag me @thejenkeller or @projectyou so we can repost you. • Leave a positive review or rating For more ways to do the inner work you can find me on @thejenkeller on instagram and Jennifer Keller on Facebook and to join our exclusive Facebook community Project YOU To do the inner work visit jenkeller.net

Fr. Mike encourages us not to be discouraged about the small things happening in our lives, because just as we see through Zechariah's visions, God takes small things and turns them into great triumphs. He also touches on the dedication of Israel to rebuild the temple, and the connection between the crowing of Joshua and the crowning of Christ the King. Today's readings are Ezra 5-6, Zechariah 4-6, and Proverbs 20:8-11. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike introduces us to the books of Ezra and Haggai, explaining the Israelites' return to the promised land. He also warns us against apathy and indifference in our relationship with God, as we see Israel display towards the temple. Today's readings are Ezra 1-2, Haggai 1-2, and Proverbs 20:1-3. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

In this message, Pastor Jeff opens our new series on the book of Ezra with a powerful reminder that hope can be restored even after seasons of deep loss and exile. Drawing from his own travel story of setbacks and surprising rerouting, he connects our anxieties with Israel's seventy years in Babylon and God's faithful intervention through King Cyrus. Ezra 1 calls us to trust what God has spoken, watch how He is moving—even through unlikely people—and courageously go where He is leading. This message invites us to awaken hope by stepping into God's promises and joining His redemptive work today.

This week, Pastor Robey Barnes challenges us to see the purpose God has placed on our generation. Through the inspiring story of Daniel Inouye, a World War II hero who displayed incredible courage and sacrifice, and the biblical account of the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple in Haggai, we're reminded that God is stirring His people for something significant. Just as God moved King Cyrus to resource and lead the rebuilding of the temple, He is at work today, uniting churches across South Florida for a spiritual awakening. Though challenges and opposition will come, the foundation has already been laid — and it's our call to rise up, build, and pass the hope of Jesus to the next generation. Join us as we step into this historic moment together and discover how you can be part of what God is doing through the One Generation movement.

Pastor Scott Silcox launches a new series called "Build the House" focused on understanding God's eternal plan for His church and our role in it. Drawing from Ezra, he explores how God orchestrates world events to fulfill His purposes and preserve His people's identity.• Christ must be at the center of everything we build in our lives and in the church• There is no middle ground between Christ and chaos—we must be all in• God used King Cyrus and the Persian Empire to fulfill His promises to Israel• Our cultural context today parallels Israel's experience returning from exile• God builds through world events, bending history to serve His plans• The uniqueness of every culture and individual is a building block for God's kingdom• We are living stones being built into God's spiritual house• The church is not meant to be exclusive but to gather all nations and peoples• Our responsibility is to build according to God's blueprint, not our own designs• God preserves our identity in Him even when everything around us seems chaotic

Andrew Baker | Ezra 1:1-4, 3:10-13, 7:1-6, 9:1-2, 10:7-11; Nehemiah 1:1-4, 2:17-18, 6:15-16, 13:6-11,17-25,31 — King Cyrus rebuilt the temple; Ezra enforced the law of Moses; and Nehemiah repaired the city wall. But ultimately none of these external acts could truly change the hearts of God's people. As we see the brokenness of the world all around us, may we not fight external battles with revenge, resistance, and force. Rather, may we be stirred with Christ-like compassion to love and forgive those around us - that the light of the Gospel would be allowed to transform hearts from the inside out.

God's people are precious in his sight, so much so that has given up other nations in order to ransom them from destruction. Though a time of judgment is coming upon them, the Lord assures them that he will protect his faithful ones in their time of distress. Time and again, God's people have forsaken him for other gods, but there is no Savior besides him, and no other god has proven his power, might, and foreknowledge like the God of Israel. Idols and those who fashion them are put to shame, for the one whom makes them and bows down to them also uses the same wood to cook his dinner. Later, Isaiah prophesies of a king not yet born, King Cyrus of Persia. This king does not know the Lord, and yet God will call him by name to be used as an instrument of redemption for his people.Isaiah 43 - 1:07 . Isaiah 44 - 7:23 . Isaiah 45 - 14:56 . Psalm 150 - 21:07 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Ezra 5–6 reads like a bureaucratic standoff: a nosy governor demands paperwork, and the Jews don't have it on hand. Yet, hidden in the royal archives of a pagan empire is a dusty old decree from King Cyrus himself. Suddenly, along with King Darius' decree, the state not only permits the temple to be rebuilt, but it also pays for it. In an age where “separation of church and state” is often weaponized by both sides, this chapter reminds us that the Lord bends even unbelieving rulers to serve His purposes.  The Rev. David Boisclair, senior pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Haggai 5 and 6.  To learn more about Our Redeemer Lutheran, visit ourredeemerstl.org. The Persian king Cyrus issues an astonishing decree: the exiles may go home. Among them are the Jews—God's chosen people—whom this pagan ruler not only repatriates, but commands to rebuild the temple of the Lord. Ezra 1–4 tells of their return, the joy of restored worship, and the crushing opposition that brings construction to a standstill. Then the prophets Haggai and Zechariah speak with God's authority, calling His people to courage, repentance, and hope. In Ezra 5–8 the temple is completed, worship flourishes, and hearts are renewed in God's Word. This series on Thy Strong Word follows the events in the order they happened, revealing how the Lord moves kings and prophets, overcomes opposition, and restores His people. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

The books of Ezra and Nehemiah were originally part of one book but they got separated along the way as the book was translated. The author of this book and the author of 1 & 2 Chronicles are one and the same. This means Ezra continues where 2 Chronicles left off: recall that the temple had been destroyed, Jerusalem had been ravaged, and the people of God were sent into exile. Finally, King Cyrus of Persia declared that God's people could return. Once we make it through some of the population tallies at the beginning, we get to see what happens when God's people return to Judah. Before they even begin to rebuild the walls of the city, they prioritize rebuilding the temple, but even before that, they begin to worship God according to the Scriptures.Ezra 1 - 1:09 . Ezra 2 - 3:31 . Ezra 3 - 11:40 . Ezra 4 - 15:14 . Isaiah 15 - 20:40 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

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Zechariah     This week we've reached the book of Zechariah. After spending a couple of weeks in the very short books of Obadiah and Haggai, I found Zechariah to be quite a contrast. It's a much longer book with 14 chapters, and the style of prophetic writing is quite different too. There is so much that we could choose to look at in this complex, beautiful book, but it would be beyond the scope of this podcast to look in detail at all the prophesies that Zechariah received. Instead I'll start with a brief historical background and an overview of some of the main themes of the book, and then I'll focus on some of the prophecies that were fulfilled most clearly in the life of Jesus. We'll end with some thoughts to take away for our own lives. Zechariah came from a priestly family. We are given the names of his father and grandfather, Berechiah and Iddo. His grandfather's name appears in Nehemiah 12:4 where he is listed as one of the Levites who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel in about 538 BC, according to the edict of King Cyrus of Persia. Zechariah's prophecy starts 2 months after Haggai's. The book is made up of a collection of nine visions followed by other prophetic oracles. These take the form of individual units, which don't follow a clear narrative pattern. The style of the prophecy is futuristic, and sometimes quite obscure to the modern reader. Many of the prophecies bear similarities to those found in the book of Revelation, at the end of the New Testament, and they need to be approached in a similar way, with careful appreciation of the symbolism involved. As we learned last week, some of the exiled people of Judah had returned to Jerusalem after King Cyrus permitted them to do so. They had started to rebuild the temple and the walls but they had become discouraged by opposition. They were also facing difficulties in their everyday lives, including high taxes under the Persian rule. Worship of God and obedience to his law were quite low down on their list of priorities. The book of Zechariah opens with a call from God to the people to repent and return to him: Therefore say to them, Thus declares the LORD of hosts: Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. (Zechariah 1:3) ~ The people do repent and turn back to God, so God keeps his promise. There then follows a series of visions that Zechariah receives during the night. The visions contain God's promises of restoration for his people, forgiveness, removal of sin and idolatry from the land, and the blessing and expansion of Jerusalem.  God calls his people back to sincere and genuine faith. He wants them to be just, merciful, mindful of the vulnerable and honest in their dealings with each other (Zech 7:8-10). The book of Zechariah does contain some messages of judgement for the enemies of God's people, and for those who do not respond to God's call to return to him, but the majority of the book is made up of promises of hope and restoration. God promises to turn the former times of fasting into times of feasting for his people (Zech 7:18-19). In the second half of the book, we find prophecy relating to the coming King of Zion. He is portrayed as a divine warrior (Zech 9:1-8) and also called The Branch. In chapter 11, God promises to replace the evil shepherds of his people, the corrupt leaders, with a good shepherd. These are all prophecies about the coming Messiah.   ~ There are up to 54 passages in Zechariah that are alluded to in 67 places in the New Testament, mostly in the book of Revelation. In addition, there are a few specific prophecies in Zechariah, which find their fulfilment very clearly in the life of Jesus. The gospel writers quote these verses from Zechariah in their accounts. We'll look at these verses now. ~ Firstly, Zechariah 9:9: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9) ~ Matthew and John both refer to this verse in their gospel accounts of Jesus entering Jerusalem riding on a donkey (Matt 21:5, John 12:15). They understood that Jesus was deliberately fulfilling prophecy, making a clear statement about his identity as the promised Messiah. ~ In Zechariah 11:13 we read a slightly odd statement about the good shepherd being valued at 30 pieces of silver, and these pieces subsequently being thrown back into the house of the Lord, to the potter. In Matthew 27:9 we see that Matthew draws on the words of Zechariah and Jeremiah and applies these to the actions and fate of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. When Judas saw what was going to happen to Jesus, he tried to give the blood money back to the priests, who refused to take it back. Overcome with remorse and guilt, he threw the 30 pieces of silver back into the temple and went and hanged himself. The priests and elders bought a field known as the Potters Field with the money and it was used as a burial place for foreigners. ~ In Zechariah 12:10 we read: “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn. (Zechariah 12:10) ~ John takes this verse and applies it to Jesus' crucifixion. In John 19:31-37 we read about the soldier who pierced Jesus' side to verify that he was dead after his crucifixion. John then quotes Zechariah, “they will look on him whom they have pierced” and sees the action of the solider as a fulfilment of this prophecy. There are other Old Testament passages which speak prophetically about the manner of the Messiah's death, notably sections in Isaiah 53 and in Psalm 22. The details are quite striking, particularly bearing in mind that crucifixion did not come into use as a means of execution until several hundred years after Psalm 22 was written. ~ Finally we see Zechariah 13:7 quoted by Matthew (26:31) and Mark (14:27) in their descriptions of Jesus's disciples deserting him and fleeing from the garden of Gethsemane. ~ “Strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered”. (Zechariah 13:7) ~ The verse in Zechariah is describing the good shepherd and how he will be struck down. Matthew and Mark both see the scattering of the disciples in the scattering of the sheep. ~ The book of Zechariah ends on a note of victory and triumph with God reigning over the whole earth and Jerusalem finally dwelling in peace. There are two short verses from the early parts of the book that I want to consider. The first is Zechariah 4:10. In this section, God is encouraging Zechariah that he will empower Zerubbabel and his fellow workers to complete the rebuilding of the temple. God says: For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. (Zechariah 4:10a ESV) ~ Sometimes it can feel as if we live in a day of small things. The ordinary routines and rhythms of our everyday lives can seem quite insignificant. There is a temptation to always be looking ahead to what the next big thing will be or feeling despondent about an apparent lack of excitement or significance in what we do. Sometimes we have our mountain top experiences and spiritual highs in special events or significant achievements, but the reality is that life is lived in the in-between times. In the days of small things. ~ God knows all the days of our lives and each day and moment can be used for his glory. But not if we're despising the time. Our awesome Creator and Sustainer is the source of our every breath and his gift of life to us is not to be taken lightly. In the times that are difficult, painful or seemingly futile, we can cling on to Jesus' promise to us that our Father God cares about us more than we can imagine. He even knows the number of hairs on our heads (Matt 10:30). ~ The second verse is Zechariah 3:6. God gives Zechariah a message to encourage Zerubbabel. He wants him to know that the rebuilding of the temple will be accomplished and he says: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” (Zech 3:6) ~ There are times when we will face seemingly insurmountable obstacles or daunting mountains of opposition. The Holy Spirit can empower us in ways we could not imagine and those mountains can become plains in front of us. We need to be prepared for God to work in ways we do not expect but if we have faith in his promises to us, the unlimited power of the Holy Spirit is available to help us and that is far better than any human power or might. ~ I'll close with Paul's words to the Ephesians: Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21) ~ Right Mouse click or tap to save this as an audio mp3 file

In this final episode, Mr. Abramian reflects on his efforts over the past ten years to establish Cyrus Online University. He explains that he chose the name in honor of King Cyrus the Great (600–530 BC), renowned for his knowledge and fairness. However, Mr. Abramian expresses deep disappointment that no Assyrian organisation supported his vision to include an Assyrian faculty in this university. His goal was not only to teach the Assyrian language, but also to preserve and promote Assyrian literature, art, history, traditions, and customs.

The final stage of the J-curve is contentment. After Daniel was taken out of the lions' den, he experienced a season of peace and prosperity. But after King Cyrus took the throne, Daniel had to once again go through another J-curve of trial and tribulation to gain the king's favor. In this lesson, we'll learn how every J-curve is linked to another J-curve, so we must always be spiritually ready for a new season of growth.***Welcome, we are so glad you have joined us for our church online! If you are new here, we would love to connect with you. HARVEST VALLEY CHURCH is a church that believes in Jesus, a church that loves God and people. If you have made a decision to follow Jesus or want to learn more about Him, email us at connect@harvestvalley.org, and we will reach out to you about your decision to follow Jesus.To support the ministry of Harvest Valley Church and invest in the lives of others through giving, click here.For more information about Harvest Valley Church visit https://www.harvestvalley.org Church Office: (925)484-2482#harvestvalleychurch #loveourcity #Pleasantonca #eastbaychurches #Sunday #harvestvalleychurchpleasanton #purposeinlifeSupport the show

Fr. Mike highlights the works of King Cyrus, who we met yesterday, and how he is able to contribute to the will of God without actually knowing him. Cyrus not only shows us that no soul is ever too far for God's grace, but that God makes all things new, and is able to bring beautiful blessings from the most desperate situations. Today's readings are Isaiah 45-46, Ezekiel 6-7, and Proverbs 12:9-12. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

In this episode, from a chapel service held on Friday 30 May 2025, Joel Atwood, missionary in Vanuatu with the Church Missionary Society Australia, speaks on Isaiah 45 and God's word to the nation of Israel about his anointed one, King Cyrus.He reminds us that the plans of God are not our plans. When we are tempted to ask, “Why is God doing that?”, we need to remember that he is greater and more wonderful than our crude and limited conceptions of him. We can't force him or rush him; we can only follow along to his timetable.For more audio resources, visit the Moore College website. There, you can also make a donation to support the work of the College.Contact us and find us on socials.Find out more and register for the 2025 Donald Robinson Library Lectures on The Clapham Sect and their influence on Sydney (Sat 30 Aug).Please note: The episode transcript provided is AI-generated and has not been checked for accuracy. If quoting, please check against the audio.

Send us a text2 Chronicles 36:22–23 | Daniel 6:10 | Jeremiah 25:11–12

“That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.” (Isaiah 44:28) This i... More...

Iran's soon coming King Cyrus (re-broadcast of Ep. 283)

In "God Has Called Cyrus and We Will Be Delivered," Servant Marcia Carty delves into the pressing question of how to live faithfully in a world seemingly mirroring the perilous times described in scripture. With global tensions rising, particularly concerning President Trump, Iran, and Israel, many are asking: Can we escape what is coming? This episode offers a powerful, biblically-rooted perspective, emphasizing God's unchanging nature and His divine appointments throughout history. Servant Marcia Carty draws a compelling parallel between biblical King Cyrus, chosen by God to perform His will, and President Trump, suggesting that God is similarly working through unexpected figures today. Through passages from Isaiah 44 and 45, the discussion highlights God's unwavering commitment to Israel and His ultimate control over all nations and events. She asserts that God, who forms light and creates darkness, makes peace and creates calamity, is ultimately orchestrating all things for His purposes. Listeners are encouraged to shift their focus from worldly anxieties to personal spiritual alignment. Referencing Jesus' words about His return mirroring the days of Noah, Servant Marcia Carty urges listeners to prioritize getting right with God. The discussion also touches on the proliferation of false prophets and teachers in the last days, as prophesied in 2 Peter, warning against deceptive gospels of money and prosperity. Ultimately, the message is one of profound hope and unwavering faith: God knows what He is doing, and believers are called to live with purpose, faith, love, and perseverance, trusting that He will preserve His people and fulfill His promises of a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. +++++++ We have begun building a new website which you can see here: https://www.noahdays.org/

In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, the Lord fulfilled the prophecy he had given through Jeremiah (Ezra 1:1). Glory to God!

2025 June 15 | This week, Pastor Evan starts a new sermon series Exiles where we will look at the stories of Daniel and Esther and discover how God's people can remain faithful to his Word, develop wisdom and perseverance, and rely on his providence—even when he seems absent. He begins in Daniel 1:1-21, preaching on how God is steadfast and preserves us in a changing cultural landscape and one that is often hostile to Christianity. Daniel 1:1-21 Daniel Taken to Babylon 1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the vessels of the house of God. And he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god. 3 Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family[a] and of the nobility, 4 youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king's palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. 5 The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king. 6 Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah. 7 And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego. Daniel's Faithfulness 8 But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. 9 And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs, 10 and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see that you were in worse condition than the youths who are of your own age? So you would endanger my head with the king.” 11 Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king's food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see.” 14 So he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days. 15 At the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king's food. 16 So the steward took away their food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. 17 As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king. 20 And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. 21 And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus.

In Isaiah, Cyrus the Great emerges as a unique figure chosen by the God of Israel to fulfill a specific historical task: the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple and the liberation of the Judahites from exile in Babylon in direct fulfillment of the prophecy spoken by Jeremiah.Cyrus's rise to power is depicted not as a product of his strength but as the result of God stirring his spirit and granting him authority over all nations.God bestows upon Cyrus exceptional titles: “my shepherd,” a nomadic-pastoral, Bedouin-styled function typical of prophetic literature, signifying his role in guiding the people of Israel back to God's land, and “my anointed,” indicating a special divine commissioning that parallels, though does not equal, the messianic expectations normally associated with Israelite kings.Through Cyrus's conquests, especially the subjugation of Babylon, the Lord demonstrates his universal sovereignty, demonstrating to all nations that he alone is the Unipolar Hegemon that directs the course of history and holds ultimate authority over the kingdoms of the earth.While Cyrus plays a pivotal role as a pawn on God's political chessboard, Isaiah carefully distinguishes him from the Slave of the Lord.The Slave—often wrongly identified with Israel itself—points to a future messianic figure who carries a broader, more enduring mission: to establish justice, bring light to the nations, and embody God's ultimate purpose. Unlike Cyrus, whose mission is temporal and political, the Slave's work is a universal call to the path of the Lord, extending beyond the restoration of Jerusalem to the transformation of the human race.Thus, Isaiah presents Cyrus as a divinely appointed instrument for a limited, though critical, historical role. At the same time, the Slave of the Lord stands as the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan of victory and liberation for his people and the entire world.Then, in Luke, the Slave landed on the beaches of the Gerasenes.Everything I do, I do for the Slave.This week, I discuss Luke 8:29.Show Notesπαραγγέλλω (parangellō)order, summon, command, send a messageשׁ-מ-ע (shin-mem-ayin) / س-م-ع (sīn-mīm-ʿayn)hear, submit!1 Samuel 15:4 - Saul, Israel's first king, asserts his leadership by gathering a vast army (200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men of Judah) to fulfill a divine command: to destroy the Amalekites utterly. Centralized, royal power at its peak.1 Samuel 23:8 - Saul, now insecure in his power, redirects his military might to pursue David at Keilah, driven by jealousy and fear of losing his throne.1 Kings 15:22 - King Asa commands all of Judah to dismantle Baasha's fortifications at Ramah and repurpose them to fortify Geba and Mizpah. Asa's leadership is pragmatic and defensive, focused on security rather than prophetic utterances.Jeremiah 26:14 (LXX) - Jeremiah stands alone before religious and political leaders, “I am in your hands; do with me as seems good and right to you.” Luke's lexical itinerary at Decapolis follows the biblical storyline, shifting from the king's authority to the prophet's vulnerability.Jeremiah 27:29 (LXX) - Jeremiah warns Judah that resisting Babylon will only bring destruction; the people must submit to Babylon's yoke as God's instrument of judgment.Jeremiah 28:27 (LXX) - The theme of the yoke—submission to Babylon's dominion—continues. This reinforces the prophet's earlier warning that Judah's fate is sealed unless they accept God's judgment.ע-ב-ר (ʿayin-bet-resh) / ع-ب-ر (ʿayn-bāʼ-rāʼ)pull along, pass through, pass by, go your way; consistent with nomadic pastoral or shepherd life2 Chronicles 36:22 - This verse marks the beginning of the return from exile. It records that in the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, the Lord moved his heart to make a proclamation allowing the exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This aligns with the prophecy of Jeremiah being fulfilled — God's promise to bring his people back from captivity after seventy years.Ezra 1:1 - This verse parallels 2 Chronicles 36:22. It highlights that in the first year of King Cyrus of Persia's reign, God stirred his spirit to make a decree throughout his kingdom allowing the Judeans to return and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, again, fulfilling the prophecy of Jeremiah.In Arabic, this root carries various functions, including “to cross,” “to pass over,” “to interpret,” or “to take a lesson.”عُبُور (ʿubūr) crossingمَعْبَر (maʿbar) crossing placeتَعْبِير (taʿbīr) expression, interpretation (especially of dreams)א-מ-ר (ʾaleph–mem–resh) / أ-م-ر (ʾalif-mīm-rāʾ)In Arabic, this root is the foundation for words like أَمْر (ʾamr) (“command” or “order”) and مَأْمُور (maʾmūr) (“one who is commanded”). Matthew Cooper observes that אָמַר (amar) “he spoke,” is inter-functional with the Arabic word أمير (emir), which means “prince,” “commander,” or “leader,” from the same root.Joshua 6:7 - Joshua commands his army to advance on Jericho. Specifically, he orders the armed men to proceed, and the seven priests with the trumpets to go before the Ark of the Covenant as they prepare to encircle the city. This is part of the famous account of the fall of Jericho, where the walls come down after the Israelites' obedience to God's instructions.צ-ע-ק (ṣade-ayin-qof) / ص-ع-ق (sīn–ʿayn–qāf)In biblical Hebrew, צעק (ṣāʿaq) means “to cry out, to shout, to call loudly.”1 Samuel 10:17 - Samuel gathers the people of Israel at Mizpah to publicly present Saul as the chosen king. This follows God's command to anoint a king, as the people had demanded one like the nations around them. Samuel is about to cast lots to reveal Saul as God's chosen king formally.In Arabic, صعق (ṣaʿaqa) means “to be struck by thunder, to be shocked, to be stunned.”י-ע-ץ (yod-ayin-ṣade) / و-ع-ظ (wāw-ʿayn-ẓāʾ)1 Kings 12:6 - Rehoboam, Solomon's son and the new king, consults the elders who had served his father about responding to the people's request to lighten their burdens. The elders advise him to show kindness. He does not listen.“To advise, to give counsel.” The Arabic triliteral carries the core function “to exhort, to admonish, to preach.”وَعْظ (waʿẓ) exhortation, admonitionوَاعِظ (wāʿiẓ) preacher, admonisherتَوْعِيظ (tawʿīẓ) act of exhorting, preaching“Call to the path of your Lord with wisdom and the beautiful exhortation (الْمَوْعِظَةِ ٱلْحَسَنَةِ al-mawʿiẓati al-ḥasanati), and discuss with them in that which is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from his path, and he is most knowing of the guided.” Surah An-Nahl (16:125) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode of Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum, I discussed the steady rise of Pentecostal Christianity with award-winning journalist and author Elle Hardy. Her 2022 book, Beyond Belief: How Pentecostal Christianity Is Taking Over the World, details how the charismatic movement has become a global phenomenon, with currently (2025) an estimated 900 million followers worldwide. As I wrote in the Cult of Trump, a key base for true believers are involved with megachurches involving millions of Americans. The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) has transformed Pentecostal Christianity from a spiritual movement to an aggressively politically motivated group. Hardy explains the phenomenon: “They don't just want to save souls; they want to transform societies.” For example, prominent Pentecostal leaders, such as Paula White-Cain, who is in the current administration, refers to Donald Trump as a modern-day “King Cyrus.” In the Bible, King Cyrus is an imperfect, divinely chosen leader who fulfilled political and social ambitions on behalf of God to help his people. Trump's portrayal as divinely chosen in these circles is strategically cultivated to amass the group's support and reshape American politics. Hardy provided insights into the prosperity gospel, describing it as “the faith of the working poor.” This aspect of Pentecostalism attracts marginalized people seeking hope through promises of divine financial blessings in exchange for devotion and sacrifice. However, Hardy pointed out a troubling reality. Vulnerable individuals often give beyond their means, pushing them deeper into poverty through manipulative teachings. Our conversation highlighted how such practices illustrate financial exploitation and reinforce harmful “magical thinking” and loaded language. Authoritarian leaders commonly exploit these techniques to control followers, which are classic signs of undue influence. Unethical practices like these strip people of their critical thinking and autonomy. This conversation was exceptionally interesting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you stuck in a cycle of working hard but feeling empty? Deidre Braley unpacks Haggai’s powerful message to the Israelites—and to us: when we neglect God’s presence, our efforts fall flat. This episode reveals why shifting your priorities to build the Lord’s house first can break cycles of frustration and lead to true fruitfulness. 3 Key Takeaways ✅ Misplaced priorities drain your life.Busyness without God leads to frustration and burnout. ✅ Making space for God invites His blessing.When we shift focus to God—through rest, prayer, and obedience—He promises to be with us. ✅ Fruitfulness flows from God, not just effort.Only God can make our work truly thrive and satisfy. Intersecting Faith & Life Are you busy building your own “house” while neglecting God’s? How can you intentionally make space for God this week—through rest, prayer, or obedience? What’s one step today to reorder your priorities toward Him? Further Reading John 15:1-8 Ecclesiastes 4:6 Isaiah 55

   We’ve all had the experience of packing up for a long trip. Many of us have perhaps packed to move permanently to a far distant place. So, it should not be difficult for us to imagine what the Jewish exiles were doing in Babylon when I left you yesterday in Ezra 1:7, about 538bc. King Cyrus had issued an edict that ANY Jewish captive, anywhere in the Persian empire, was free to return to their homeland with specific instructions to rebuild the city of Jerusalem and especially the great Temple of King Solomon which had been destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar in 586bc. (2 Chron. 36:22,23) (Click here to see full text, images and links)    Pastor Doug Anderson    “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, with our eyes fixed on Jesus…” (Heb. 12:1,2)Have a comment or question about today's chapter? I'm ready to hear from you, contact me here. Interested in helping "Walking with Jesus" financially? Click here

“Faithful in Exile, (Part 2)” Daniel 1:15-21   April 6, 2025 Pastor John Choi  Sermon Application [file]   ----more---- Daniel 1:15 At the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king's food. 16 So the steward took away their food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. 17 As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king. 20 And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. 21 And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus.     God's purpose for the Church is to be His witness through engaging with the world so that the worship of Jesus may increase.           I.  The Church as Witness  II.  Our Engagement with the World III.  The Increase of Worship

“Praise the Lord, the God of our ancestors, who made the king want to beautify the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem! And praise him for demonstrating such unfailing love to me by honoring me before the king, his council, and all his mighty nobles. I felt encouraged because the gracious hand of the Lord my God was on me.” Ezra 7:27-28The book of Ezra continues the narrative of the people of Israel into what is known as the post-exilic period. When we left things in 2 Chronicles, the king of Babylon had conquered Jerusalem and the temple had been destroyed. But the final part of the book ends with a glimpse of what's to come. 2 Chronicles 36:23 says, “This is what King Cyrus of Persia says, ‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. He has appointed me to build him a Temple at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Any of you who are the Lord's people may go there for this task. And may the Lord your God be with you.” That then ushers us right into the heart of the story of Ezra. Ezra 1 begins with this same retelling of Cyrus's words and then continues the story from there as we the Zerubbabel lead a group of exiles back to Jerusalem followed by Ezra's group. What follows is a story of rebuilding, opposition, and restoration. Ezra is a book that doesn't often get the credit it deserves as it sits alongside Nehemiah, but it is a beautiful picture of the God of continued second-chances and a people who so desperately need them. To help us navigate the book of Ezra is Dr. Tiberius Rata, Associate Dean and Professor of Old Testament at Grace College and author of a commentary on Ezra. Doable Discipleship is a Saddleback Church podcast produced and hosted by Jason Wieland. It premiered in 2017 and now offers more than 400 episodes. Episodes release every Tuesday on your favorite podcast app and on the Saddleback Church YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/saddleback).Resources Related to This Episode:https://www.amazon.com/Ezra-Nehemiah-Commentary-Tiberius-Rata/dp/1845505719Subscribe to the Doable Discipleship podcast at Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doable-discipleship/id1240966935) or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/1Zc9nuwQZOLadbFCZCmZ1V)Related Doable Discipleship Episodes: Navigating the Bible: 2 Chronicles - https://youtu.be/OG3rHTgMgEINavigating the Bible: 1 Chronicles - https://youtu.be/lQ_Qc4zbfgANavigating the Bible: 2 Kings - https://youtu.be/04q9gDhBKTkNavigating the Bible: 1 Kings - https://youtu.be/aS-KoeQXl2kNavigating the Bible: 2 Samuel - https://youtu.be/ZbpafGgOW7cNavigating the Bible: 1 Samuel - https://youtu.be/lY8wPElSFMYNavigating the Bible: Rute - https://youtu.be/YaH-t-ZzTaMNavigating the Bible: Judges - https://youtu.be/qNGcOf2o0NUNavigating the Bible: Joshua - https://youtu.be/hF28aThBtFsNavigating the Bible: Deuteronomy - https://youtu.be/HzmNgPOM4zUNavigating the Bible: Numbers - https://youtu.be/H1HO6V9HDxsNavigating the Bible: Leviticus - https://youtu.be/08RhDCXYex4Navigating the Bible: Exodus - https://youtu.be/NB9UTpS1F3MNavigating the Bible: Genesis - https://youtu.be/ddhjMfOoasAInspiring Dreams by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoonMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

2506 - A prophecy of King Cyrus stepping into the role of the Anointed One initiates the return home of Hebrews from exile. Outside the ancient walls of Jerusalem, Joshua and Caleb explain how the first settlers under Ezra and Zerubbabel struggled with the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple. Thankfully, God continually sent the prophets Zechariah and Haggai with declarations of encouragement and success. Although the construction of the 2nd Temple proved disappointing for some, God promised a greater future Temple where the Shekinah returns.

Daily Dose of Hope February 26, 2025 Day 4 of Week 48   Scripture:  Esther 1-3; Psalm 139; Revelation 1   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope!  This is the devotional and podcast that goes along with the Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.   Let's start with our Old Testament reading in Esther.  It was in 539BC that King Cyrus of Persia conquered Babylon. A year later, he allowed the Jewish people to end their exile and return to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 36). But not all of them went. They had lives and livelihoods and the journey to Jerusalem would mean picking up and moving after generations in Babylon/Persia. Esther and her family, who this book is about, for whatever reason decide to stay put. They give us a picture of what it looks like to be a faithful Jew in a foreign land.   In the first chapter, we meet King Xerxes, who ruled Persia from 485 to 465BC. It was a very large kingdom and Xerxes expanded its borders quite a bit, all the way to what it now Pakistan to the east and Ethiopia to the south. While he may have been a good military commander and strategist, he struggled in the “don't get drunk and mess up your marriage” area, as we can see in today's text. Xerxes had thrown a huge banquet with many diplomats and important people from all over the region. He flaunts his wealth and then wants to flaunt his wife.   Most Jewish scholars think that when Xerxes asked Vashti to display her royal crown, it meant that he wanted her to appear naked in front of this large group of inebriated men. Vashti, his wife, isn't having it. Women in those days had almost no say so in marriage, particularly if one was married to the king. And yet, something gave Vashti courage to say I'm not going to be paraded around like property before this group of drunk men. Maybe this had happened before. Regardless, it was a recipe for disaster and it would have been against custom of staying covered.   But Xerxes had unilateral power. To refuse a command of the king, especially in front of others, would most certainly have consequences. Vashti was willing to subject herself to them. She would rather lose her position in society than lose her dignity. She was brave, and while she knew it would mean something harsh, it was worth it to her. Sure enough, the king, probably under the influence of alcohol and without giving it much thought, decrees that Vashti is never to be in his presence again. Vashti has courageously served and now exited. God is making a way for someone else who will serve for a very specific purpose.   In chapter two, the search is on for a new queen. It's quite the process as well. Beautiful virgins from far and wide are brought into the palace for all kinds of exceptional beauty treatments. Esther is one of those women. Esther was a Jew. She didn't reveal her identity to anyone but she was part of the Jewish diaspora, the Jews who were spread outside of Jerusalem, trying to live faithfully in pagan lands.   She had been raised by her cousin, Mordecai, who we also meet in this chapter. He loves Esther like his own daughter and is filled with much advice for her. Esther is exceptionally beautiful and she catches the eye of the king more than any other woman. We also know that God is ensuring that she is chosen to be queen because there is something important that Esther will need to do for her people.   While God is not explicitly mentioned in the book of Esther, it is certainly a book that demonstrates the sovereignty of God. What does it mean that God is sovereign? It means that God is all-powerful and authoritative. He is ruler of the universe and is in all and over all. No matter the situation, God is present and God is at work. But unlike Xerxes, who uses his power selfishly, God uses his power in a moral, righteous way. He seeks what is best for his creation.   There is an interesting subplot at the end of the second chapter, in which Mordecai saves the king's life. This is a small but important piece to remember and tuck away for later in the book.   In chapter three, we meet Haman.  Haman is a real piece of work. He hears that Mordecai won't kneel down before him and he is enraged. Of course, we know that Mordecai is a Jew. He is only supposed to bow down before God. I'm thinking this plays in to Mordecai's refusal but it could be that Mordecai knows Haman is a royal jerk and he simply won't give him the pleasure. One can't help noticing the similarity between Mordecai and Vashti in this story. Both refuse to honor men who do not deserve to be honored and they do so knowing there will be consequences.   And there are consequences. Haman, who seems to be evil inside and out, decides he doesn't just want to punish Mordecai but his whole people group. He wants to ensure that all the Jewish people are killed. Let's think about the absurdity of this: Haman wants to kill all the Jews in the kingdom because one Jew, Mordecai, refused to kneel before him. Haman senses that Mordecai is a threat to his power and he wants to punish that threat mercilessly. Thus, Haman devises a plan. He presents this idea to King Xerxes. There is a “certain group” of people who contaminate his empire and it is not in his best interest to tolerate them. Haman has a ready-made plan for elimination and it even involves a monetary bribe. Xerxes either doesn't want to be bothered or is incredibly gullible. He basically passes his authority to Haman and says “do what you will” with an entire group of people.   Most of us will read this with a certain amount of horror. How appalling it is that a whole people group could be eliminated with nothing more than a flip of the hand. And yet, this scene, with different characters, has been repeated throughout human history over and over again. What is it about us as humans that we demonize whole groups of people? That we fail to value human life?   For our New Testament reading, we begin Revelation, one of the most difficult and misunderstood books of the Bible. It's going to be a great journey! The book was written by the apostle John, much later in his life, while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. Revelation was sent as a circular letter to the seven churches of Asia Minor, to be passed from church to church and read aloud. It was intended to address the real needs of real people. For some churches, it was a word of encouragement in the midst of terrible persecution to give them a bigger perspective; there was more going on in the world than they could see or imagine. To other churches, it was a word of conviction. But most of all, it was prophecy.   Let's be careful to not mix up prophecy with prediction. Prophecy is a divine message. Thus, Revelation is a word from God by his angel to John. It is God revealing that which was previously unknown. The beginning of today's chapter, verses 1-8, serves as a kind of prologue. It introduces the author and general theme of the book. Then, the book goes right into four visions that John received from the risen Lord.   In our culture and reading style, we tend to be very concerned with words. Revelation is really more about images. My encouragement would be to not get caught up in taking the words literally but focus more on the images that your mind sees as you read the passage. Remember, this was intended to provide a broadened perspective, a more eternal one, for people who were being harshly persecuted and even tortured for their faith. This book demonstrates that while evil may feel overwhelming, it will NOT have the final word. There is more to the world than that which we see with our human eyes. There is a battle going on. And in the end, Jesus wins.   One additional note for today. The Scripture says that those who read it will be blessed, as are those who hear it and take it to heart. First, try to imagine how those words must have resonated with the first hearers of this message. It was the end of the first century and Christians were very much harassed and oppressed in many of these areas. How encouraging it would have been for them to hear this word of promise and blessing. While we live in a different time and culture, the Scripture also applies to us. I trust that we will also be blessed by reading this book and blessed as we try to understand it and take it to heart. I ask that we all pray for open hearts and minds as we begin this journey into this exciting and complex book of the Bible!   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope February 25, 2025 Day 3 of Week 48   Scripture:  Ezra 5-6; 3 John   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope!  This is the devotional and podcast that goes along with the Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.   Our Old Testament reading is Ezra 5 and 6.  Work on the temple had been delayed (due to the opposition) for about sixteen years. Now, it was time to get back to work, time for a new beginning. However, the restarting of construction arouses suspicion among the pagan politicians of the area. Thus, they inquire of the Jews about the building project.   The Jewish leaders quite eloquently laid out a brief history of the temple, why it was destroyed, and why they were rebuilding. But the governor of the area is determined to get to the bottom of the situation. He actually sends a letter to the king to verify that Cyrus really did give permission for this work to take place. But we see God's hand of intervention here. The governor does not stop the work, he allows it to go on as they are waiting to hear back. Keep in mind, it could take five or six months to simply receive a reply. The Jewish people are faithful, they keep working hard on the temple, unsure of what the king's answer will be. Ultimately, they trust God. They forge ahead, trusting that God is the one who has authority over every human king and governor.  The Lord of all will ensure that HIS will is done.   In chapter 6, the decree from King Cyrus was found in the royal archives and sure enough, it was clear that Cyrus had given permission and resources for the Jewish people to rebuild the Temple of the Lord. King Darius wrote back stating that the Jews were to be left alone in the building, no more obstacles, and that their expenses were to be paid from the royal treasury! Wow! God is pretty amazing. Thus, work resumed on the Temple until it was complete.   When they finished, there was a big celebration. They dedicated the house of God with many animal sacrifices, by properly installing the priests, and then celebrating Passover with one another. This got me thinking about celebrations. How important it is for us to celebrate together as a people of God. We need times of fellowship and joy as a way to remind one another of the amazing work of our God. In the midst of everyday tasks and the struggles of daily life, we forget. We have short memories. Friends, we need to celebrate. We need to come together, to laugh, to dine, to say, “Our God is so good!” Honestly, I don't think we celebrate enough. We need to work these experiences into the rhythm of church.   John's third letter is the shortest book in the Bible. Unlike 2 John, which is addressed to a whole church, this letter is addressed to an individual named Gaius but also includes references to two other people–Diotrephes (the troublemaker) and Demetrius (probably the bearer of the letter). There isn't a lot of theological meat in the letter but it does give insight into church dynamics, particularly personality conflicts and the fact John fears his authority is being dismissed.   If you read through the text (and I hope you all have), the general sense of the letter is one of encouragement and praise up until we get to the main issue. It seems there is a problem that John feels the need to address. Diotrephes is refusing to host the missionaries that John is sending to the church; a failure to show hospitality would have been shocking in their culture and certainly embarrassing for John. The phrase “who loves to be first” might be better understood as the one who wants the authority for himself. His refusal of the missionaries wasn't just a rejection of the missionaries but truly disrespect and rejection of John himself. Plus, Diotrephes is spreading gossip and refusing to welcome other believers. He is ruling the church with an iron fist. No wonder John feels the need to address this issue immediately. This has the potential to destroy the young church and damage their witness for Jesus in the community.   I know this will be shocking but ambition, arrogance, and gossip still have a tendency to find their way into the church (I know, gasp!) They are just as damaging, just as destructive, just as heart-breaking today as they were then. I'm guessing that all of us know at least one person who was hurt by a church-goer who was too heavy-handed, patronizing, dehumanizing, or just plain mean. People leave churches all the time because of these things. For me, it is literally painful to think about. And yet, I totally get it. Churches are filled with humans and humans are sinful.   So what's the answer? How do we get a group of sinful people to live the faith and not be all about themselves? The only answer is Jesus within us. It was the only answer in John's day and it's the only answer now. We must actually have the desire and the motivation for Jesus to transform us, I mean really change our hearts. We have to repent of our selfishness, humble ourselves, and allow God to use us as HE pleases.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope February 16, 2025 Day 1 of Week 47   Scripture:  Ezra 1-2; John 21 Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  Today, for our Old Testament reading, we start the book of Ezra.  In the year 538 B.C., King Cyrus of Persia issued a royal decree that the people of Judah could return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple. Unlike the Assyrians and Babylonians before him, Cyrus was known for allowing displaced people groups to go home. He would even send them with the idols that had been stolen by the Babylonians. Since the Jews had no idols, the people were sent with the items found in the Temple. It was the prophet Jeremiah that declared that the exile would only be for a period of time, specifically seventy years. God had a bigger plan of redemption for his people, no matter how wayward they had become. Remember Jeremiah 29:11, “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” We often see this verse on graduation cards and coffee mugs, but the meaning is far from what we think. God did have a plan for his people, and he did have a hopeful future in mind, but first they had to endure a long exile, as a consequence for their repeated disobedience. But in God's mercy, it was now time for a new beginning for God's beloved people. It was God himself who moved Cyrus to allow the Jews to return. Now, it's important to remember that the Jewish people had been living in Babylon (later called Persia) for almost seventy years. They had settled down, they had jobs, probably intermarried, and established themselves in the local communities. Thus, not everyone returned to Jerusalem. The Scripture says that God moved the hearts of the leaders, the priests, and the Levites. A remnant of people would return, not because they were homesick, but because they were focused on God's will and purpose. Those who packed everything up and left for their homeland would have done so because they heard God's call and made a decision to be obedient. Ezra was one of those people – a priest, scribe, and leader who heard God's call and responded obediently. How often have you heard God's call in your life? Have you been obedient? Today we are concluding the Gospel of John.  The resurrected Lord appears to the disciples who are out fishing.  After another miracle of abundance (an amazing catch of fish), the disciples find Jesus on the shore with fish cooking for breakfast.  One note here - Jesus' resurrection was a spiritual and physical resurrection.  If you recall, he could enter locked rooms but he also ate food and needed nourishment.  Jesus did not appear to them as a ghost but as a real human being.  This is the narrative in which Jesus and Peter reconcile.  It's my guess that Jesus has already forgiven Peter for his denial but we can assume Peter has all kinds of pain and mixed feelings associated with his betrayal.  It's time to address these inward feelings of shame and brokenness.  Jesus has big plans for Peter so this healing needs to happen now.  And it does, but only in a way that Jesus can do it. In a series of three questions, possibly correlating to Peter's three denials, Jesus arranges a miracle in the heart of Peter.  Three times, Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?”  Peter then has to say out loud, “You know I do, Lord.”  With each cycle of questioning, we can begin to see Peter's shame lift.  Jesus didn't doubt Peter's love but maybe Peter did after his failure before the crucifixion.  An unspoken forgiveness takes place and Jesus reinstates Peter to do what Jesus has called him to do – shepherd the people of God.  Pastor Roberto is preaching on this very Scripture this morning.  Relational healing is a critical part of the Christian walk.  Jesus has called us to be people who love, sacrifice, and be part of healing, just as he was.  Is there someone with whom you need to reconcile? Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

Rabbi Winston suggests President Trump will help establish the Third Temple. Some have compared him to King Cyrus. Some have questioned if he is the Antichrist. Is President Donald Trump mentioned in the Bible? Let's talk about it! --------------- 📚: Check out Jerusalem Prophecy College Online for less than $60 per course: https://jerusalemprophecycollege.com 📱: It's never been easier to understand. Stream Only Source and access exclusive content: https://watch.osn.tv/browse   🏧: America's Christian Credit Union: Make the switch from the BIG banks: https://www.endtime.com/switch ☕️: First Cup Coffee: use code ENDTIME to get 10% off: https://www.firstcup.com ⭐️: Birch Gold: Claim your free info kit on gold: https://www.birchgold.com/endtime 🥤: Ready Pantry: Save an extra 10% your entire order (use code “ENDTIME”): https://www.readypantry.com/endtime   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During President Trump's first administration the Abraham Accords were a series of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, appropriately named after the patriarch of both Jews and Arabs. And now the son of the former Shah of Iran is calling for the Cyrus Accords. This is cutting edge Bible prophecy says Jerusalem Channel presenter Christine Darg!

Daniel Taken to Babylon1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the vessels of the house of God. And he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god. 3 Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, 4 youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king's palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. 5 The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king. 6 Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah. 7 And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego. Daniel's Faithfulness8 But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. 9 And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs, 10 and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see that you were in worse condition than the youths who are of your own age? So you would endanger my head with the king.” 11 Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king's food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see.” 14 So he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days. 15 At the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king's food. 16 So the steward took away their food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. 17 As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king. 20 And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. 21 And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Da 1:1–21.

The walls around Jerusalem had been lying in ruing for over one hundred and forty years since the destruction of Judah by King Nebuchadnezzar. A remnant had returned from Babylon to the Jerusalem around seventy years before the time of today's text. They had rebuilt the temple under the order of King Cyrus, but for various reasons the walls remained broken down causing the city to be in reproach and an international joke. Further, the people were afflicted with many problems. As Nehemiah this received the report from his heart was grieved over the need and burdened to return and rebuild the walls. He sought the God of Heaven in prayer for wisdom and strength. This he did for four months! He understood that without God's strength, rebuilding the Jerusalem's walls would be impossible. Today, we will see how God began to powerfully open doors for Nehemiah so that this work could be accomplished. We can depend on God to do the same. Download Notes Thanks for joining us for this episode and please take a moment to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoy this content, please don't hesitate to leave us a 5-star review and share this podcast with your friends.  We'd like to extend an invitation to you and your family to join us for worship this week at Grace Baptist Church. We'd also love to connect with you online at https://gracekettering.org. Thanks again for checking out this episode, and we look forward to having you join us again right here on the Grace Baptist Church Podcast!

Istrouma en Español Jan 12 – 14, 2025 ========== 12 de Enero, 2025 Decisiones que Definen tu Fe Daniel 1.1-21 ========== ‭‭Daniel‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭21‬‬ En el año tercero del reinado de Joacim rey de Judá, vino Nabucodonosor rey de Babilonia a Jerusalén, y la sitió. Y el Señor entregó en sus manos a Joacim rey de Judá, y parte de los utensilios de la casa de Dios; y los trajo a tierra de Sinar, a la casa de su dios, y colocó los utensilios en la casa del tesoro de su dios. Y dijo el rey a Aspenaz, jefe de sus eunucos, que trajese de los hijos de Israel, del linaje real de los príncipes, muchachos en quienes no hubiese tacha alguna, de buen parecer, enseñados en toda sabiduría, sabios en ciencia y de buen entendimiento, e idóneos para estar en el palacio del rey; y que les enseñase las letras y la lengua de los caldeos. Y les señaló el rey ración para cada día, de la provisión de la comida del rey, y del vino que él bebía; y que los criase tres años, para que al fin de ellos se presentasen delante del rey. Entre estos estaban Daniel, Ananías, Misael y Azarías, de los hijos de Judá. A estos el jefe de los eunucos puso nombres: puso a Daniel, Beltsasar; a Ananías, Sadrac; a Misael, Mesac; y a Azarías, Abed-nego. Y Daniel propuso en su corazón no contaminarse con la porción de la comida del rey, ni con el vino que él bebía; pidió, por tanto, al jefe de los eunucos que no se le obligase a contaminarse. Y puso Dios a Daniel en gracia y en buena voluntad con el jefe de los eunucos; y dijo el jefe de los eunucos a Daniel: Temo a mi señor el rey, que señaló vuestra comida y vuestra bebida; pues luego que él vea vuestros rostros más pálidos que los de los muchachos que son semejantes a vosotros, condenaréis para con el rey mi cabeza. Entonces dijo Daniel a Melsar, que estaba puesto por el jefe de los eunucos sobre Daniel, Ananías, Misael y Azarías: Te ruego que hagas la prueba con tus siervos por diez días, y nos den legumbres a comer, y agua a beber. Compara luego nuestros rostros con los rostros de los muchachos que comen de la ración de la comida del rey, y haz después con tus siervos según veas. Consintió, pues, con ellos en esto, y probó con ellos diez días. Y al cabo de los diez días pareció el rostro de ellos mejor y más robusto que el de los otros muchachos que comían de la porción de la comida del rey. Así, pues, Melsar se llevaba la porción de la comida de ellos y el vino que habían de beber, y les daba legumbres. A estos cuatro muchachos Dios les dio conocimiento e inteligencia en todas las letras y ciencias; y Daniel tuvo entendimiento en toda visión y sueños. Pasados, pues, los días al fin de los cuales había dicho el rey que los trajesen, el jefe de los eunucos los trajo delante de Nabucodonosor. Y el rey habló con ellos, y no fueron hallados entre todos ellos otros como Daniel, Ananías, Misael y Azarías; así, pues, estuvieron delante del rey. En todo asunto de sabiduría e inteligencia que el rey les consultó, los halló diez veces mejores que todos los magos y astrólogos que había en todo su reino. Y continuó Daniel hasta el año primero del rey Ciro. 1. "Decidió ser fiel por encima de su posición" (Daniel 1:8) No permitió que el privilegio de la mesa del rey comprometiera su relación con el Rey de reyes. 2️. "Defendió su identidad por encima de la presión" (Daniel 1:12-13) Su lealtad a Dios no dependía de su entorno, sino de su convicción. 3️. "Depositó su confianza en Dios por encima de las circunstancias" (Daniel 1:17) Sabía que Dios respalda a los que son fieles, incluso en medio de sistemas opresivos. ‭‭Daniel‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭21‬‬ In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the vessels of the house of God. And he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god. Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king's palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king. Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah. And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego. But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs, and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my Lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see that you were in worse condition than the youths who are of your own age? So you would endanger my head with the king.” Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king's food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see.” So he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days. At the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king's food. So the steward took away their food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king. And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus. 1. "He decided to be faithful above his position" (Daniel 1:8) He did not allow the privilege of the king's table to compromise his relationship with the King of kings. 2️. "He defended his identity above the pressure" (Daniel 1:12-13) His loyalty to God did not depend on his surroundings, but on his conviction. 3️. "He placed his trust in God above the circumstances" (Daniel 1:17) He knew that God supports those who are faithful, even in the midst of oppressive systems. [Image] https://imageproxy.youversionapi.com/640x640/https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mushroom-event-images-prod/117574509-1705700493680.jpg [Image] https://imageproxy.youversionapi.com/640x640/https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/mushroom-event-images-prod/117574509-1697561260831.jpg Regístrate ¡Si es la primera vez que asistes te invitamos a que te registres utilizando el siguiente link! https://istrouma.org/nuevo Nuestro Facebook Link de nuestro facebook donde nuestros servicios estarán en vivo ¡Acompáñanos! https://www.facebook.com/IBCespanol/ Visita nuestra pagina oficial: ¡Te esperamos! https://istrouma.org/espanol

Istrouma Baptist Church (BR) Jan 12, 2025 ========== January 12 - Daniel Welcome! We're glad you've joined us today for our Sunday morning worship service! For more information about Istrouma, go to istrouma.org or contact us at info@istrouma.org. We glorify God by making disciples of all nations. ========== Connection Card https://istrouma.org/myinfo January 12, 2025 - Tim Keith "Staying Faithful in an Unfaithful World" ‭‭Daniel‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭21‬‬ In the third year of the reign of King Jehoiakim  of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar , of Babylon came to Jerusalem and laid siege to it. The Lord handed King Jehoiakim of Judah over to him, along with some of the vessels from the house of God.  Nebuchadnezzar carried them to the land of Babylon, , to the house of his god,  and put the vessels in the treasury of his god. The king ordered Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the Israelites from the royal family  and from the nobility #— # young men without any physical defect, good-looking, suitable for instruction in all wisdom,  knowledgeable, perceptive, and capable of serving in the king's palace.  He was to teach them the Chaldean language  and literature. The king assigned them daily provisions from the royal food and from the wine that he drank.  They were to be trained for three years, and at the end of that time they were to attend the king. , Among them, from the Judahites, were Daniel,  Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. The chief eunuch gave them names; he gave the name Belteshazzar to Daniel, Shadrach to Hananiah, Meshach to Mishael, and Abednego to Azariah.  Daniel determined that he would not defile himself with the king's food  or with the wine he drank. So he asked permission from the chief eunuch not to defile himself.  God had granted Daniel kindness and compassion from the chief eunuch,  yet he said to Daniel, “I fear my Lord the king, who assigned your food and drink. What if he sees your faces looking thinner than the other young men your age? You would endanger my life  with the king.” So Daniel said to the guard whom the chief eunuch had assigned to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, “Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then examine our appearance and the appearance of the young men who are eating the king's food, and deal with your servants based on what you see.” He agreed with them about this and tested them for ten days. At the end of ten days they looked better and healthier  than all the young men who were eating the king's food.  So the guard continued to remove their food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables. God gave these four young men knowledge and understanding  in every kind of literature and wisdom. Daniel also understood visions and dreams  of every kind. At the end of the time that the king had said to present them, the chief eunuch presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. The king interviewed them, and among all of them, no one was found equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.  So they began to attend the king. In every matter of wisdom and understanding that the king consulted them about, he found them ten times , better than all the magicians and mediums  in his entire kingdom. Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus. Determine to Honor God Do What You've Determined ‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭22‬-‭25‬‬ But  be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like someone looking at his own face  in a mirror. For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of person he was. But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who works #— #this person will be blessed in what he does. Worship Guide Poll Please let us know your thoughts http://poll-maker.com/poll5375483x6A57440a-161 Want to receive weekly announcements in your inbox each week? https://istrouma.org/email Give Online Text ISTROUMA IBC to 73256 or go to: https://istrouma.org/give Our Website https://istrouma.org

In this teaching, Pastor Joe explores the consequences of ignoring God's instructions and the hope in His restoration, drawing from 2 Chronicles 36. Israel's disobedience, including neglecting the Sabbath year, led to Jerusalem's fall and exile. Yet, God's redemptive plan, prophesied by Jeremiah and fulfilled through King Cyrus of Persia, brought restoration by rebuilding the temple. Pastor Joe ties this to Advent, reminding us that while waiting can feel endless, God's faithfulness assures restoration in His perfect timing.

Daily Dose of Hope December 8, 2024 Day 1 of Week 37   Scripture: Isaiah 45-48; 1 Corinthians 13   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading.  Happy Sunday!  On this day, I hope you know how much Jesus loves you.   With that, let's get right into our Scripture for today.  Chapter 45 is poetic and rather long but the main theme, which is repeated over and over again, is that God is sovereign.  There is no power comparable to the power of the Lord.  And God will use anything and anyone to redeem his people.  The Scripture points out that God will use King Cyrus, a pagan, to bring his people back to him.  God is in control of all things.    There are similar themes in Isaiah 46.  It is only God who will redeem his people, not worthless idols.  When we get to chapter 47, things take a bit of a turn.  Here we are, reading the prophecy about Judah falling into the hands of the Babylonians.  God is supreme but he will lift his hand of protection.  There will be retribution for the wickedness of God's people, but there will also ultimately be redemption (as we read about in chapter 48.)  You guys, I know that Isaiah is difficult reading but there is a lot of substance here.  Stick with it!   Our New Testament scripture is 1 Corinthians 13.  This is the love chapter. We often us this at weddings and funerals. We tend to relate it to romantic love but what Paul intended it for was love among believers. The Corinthian church was a total mess. They were arrogant, there were strong divisions between rich and poor, there were petty arguments and serious factions; let's just say it wasn't a picture of Christ's love and grace.   It's in the middle of all of this that Paul tells them what it means to really love one another. This isn't romantic love (eros), brotherly love (philia), but rather agape love. What is agape love? It's the love that God demonstrated to us and calls us to demonstrate to others. It is unconditional, sacrificial love. There is no selfishness in agape but only a concern for the what is best for the other. Paul is outlining this love to the Corinthian church to give them a word picture of what it could look like. Agape is not a feeling or emotion but rather a choice. We make a choice to love others this way and it requires commitment, faithfulness, and sacrifice without requiring anything in return.   One of my seminary professors, when teaching on agape love, encouraged all of us to do what he called the Wal-mart exercise (I've spoken of this in previous sermons). Really, you can go to any place the public gathers. It could be the mall, Target, or Publix. He suggested sitting down on a public bench and just watching people go by for five minutes. For every single person you see, say "Jesus died for this person. He/she is infinitely loved by God. I'm called to love this person as well." For me, this is challenging. I have to be very intentional about not falling into the trap of judging the person because of how they look but truly looking at them, trying to see them as God sees them, and then focusing on how God wants me to love them unconditionally too.   This has changed me. God's agape love for me is real. My love for others should be too. What would it look like if all of us who are part of New Hope started to "agape" each other? How would this change us as people? How would this change our relationships? How would this change us as a body of believers and our witness to the world?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

Reflections on the Elections   Background: This daily devotional was drawn from a sermon delivered by Dr. Foley Beach during a Presidential election season. While this sermon was delivered in the past, its thesis that “God is right in the middle of our elections” is based on Daniel's interpretation King Nebuchadnezzar's dream: “the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men”. America is once again in an election cycle. MESSAGE SUMMARY: “Where is God in all of this”? We were so engaged in prayer leading up to the election that it's hard to believe that God was not involved in this election. God was and is in the middle of this election and our country's governance just as He was in the time of King Nebuchadnezzar's vision and Daniel's interpretation (Daniel 4:17 ESV). “Someone asked me: ‘How could God allow a pro-abortion president'?”. At this time, we cannot answer this question, but God can and does use anyone in His plan for Salvation that begins in Genesis and ends in Revelation. In Isaiah 55.9, God reminds us: “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”. Every person in leadership is flawed to some degree. “If He can use me as His minister of the Gospel, He can use anyone! King Cyrus was a great sinner and a bloody pagan, but God called him by name to be His servant. Look at Alexander the Great, another true pagan who was bloody, brutal, and bisexual; and yet, God used him to build a common language and roads, like the Via Morris highway which connected Europe to Africa and was located next to Capernaum where Jesus set up His base. Therefore, this road literally paved the way for the coming of the Messiah.” The election of Lincoln is another example God's sovereignty. He used Lincoln to hold the nation together in spite of Lincoln being hated on all sides. Because God is Sovereign, it is often said that God gives us the government we need or the government we deserve — it is too early to know which path God has now chosen for our governance. As we approach these 2024 elections, remember: “The Most High rules the kingdoms of men, and He gives it to whom He will.”  (Daniel 4: 17, 24-25, 32, 37).   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, help me to grab hold of you today. I need you. Set me free to begin reorienting my life around you, and you alone. Help me to pay attention to and honor how you have uniquely made me. Thank you for the gift of rest. In Jesus' name, amen.       Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 122). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Daniel 4:17; Daniel 4:24-25; Daniel 32; Daniel 37; Mat. 22:16-21 A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Wake Up America!”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Reflections on the Elections   Background: This daily devotional was drawn from a sermon delivered by Dr. Foley Beach during a Presidential election season. While this sermon was delivered in the past, its thesis that “God is right in the middle of our elections” is based on Daniel's interpretation King Nebuchadnezzar's dream: “the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men”. America is once again in an election cycle. MESSAGE SUMMARY: “Where is God in all of this”? We were so engaged in prayer leading up to the election that it's hard to believe that God was not involved in this election. God was and is in the middle of this election and our country's governance just as He was in the time of King Nebuchadnezzar's vision and Daniel's interpretation (Daniel 4:17 ESV). “Someone asked me: ‘How could God allow a pro-abortion president'?”. At this time, we cannot answer this question, but God can and does use anyone in His plan for Salvation that begins in Genesis and ends in Revelation. In Isaiah 55.9, God reminds us: “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”. Every person in leadership is flawed to some degree. “If He can use me as His minister of the Gospel, He can use anyone! King Cyrus was a great sinner and a bloody pagan, but God called him by name to be His servant. Look at Alexander the Great, another true pagan who was bloody, brutal, and bisexual; and yet, God used him to build a common language and roads, like the Via Morris highway which connected Europe to Africa and was located next to Capernaum where Jesus set up His base. Therefore, this road literally paved the way for the coming of the Messiah.” The election of Lincoln is another example God's sovereignty. He used Lincoln to hold the nation together in spite of Lincoln being hated on all sides. Because God is Sovereign, it is often said that God gives us the government we need or the government we deserve — it is too early to know which path God has now chosen for our governance. As we approach these 2024 elections, remember: “The Most High rules the kingdoms of men, and He gives it to whom He will.”  (Daniel 4: 17, 24-25, 32, 37).   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, help me to grab hold of you today. I need you. Set me free to begin reorienting my life around you, and you alone. Help me to pay attention to and honor how you have uniquely made me. Thank you for the gift of rest. In Jesus' name, amen.       Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 122). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Daniel 4:17; Daniel 4:24-25; Daniel 32; Daniel 37; Mat. 22:16-21 A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Wake Up America!”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Fr. Mike encourages us not to be discouraged about the small things happening in our lives, because just as we see through Zechariah's visions, God takes small things and turns them into great triumphs. He also touches on the dedication of Israel to rebuild the temple, and the connection between the crowing of Joshua and the crowning of Christ the King. Today's readings are Ezra 5-6, Zechariah 4-6, and Proverbs 20:8-11. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:Ezra 1; Psalms 84-85; Luke 7 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible. I'm your host, Hunter, and today is September 24th. As we journey through day 268 of our year-long trek in the Bible, we'll dive into the rich narratives and spiritual truths found in Ezra chapter 1, Psalms 84 and 85, and Luke chapter 7. We'll start with the profound fulfillment of prophecy in Ezra, where God's hand moves through King Cyrus of Persia, urging the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Then, we'll transition to the heartfelt praises and petitions found in Psalms 84 and 85, which express longing, gratitude, and a plea for God's continued favor. Finally, we'll explore Luke, chapter 7, where Jesus heals the centurion's servant, raises a widow's son, and offers profound insights into faith and forgiveness, challenging the rigid expectations of the Pharisees. Join me as we reflect on these passages and discover the timeless message of God's love, grace, and redemption. And remember, you are loved. Let's get started. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Fr. Mike introduces us to the books of Ezra and Haggai, explaining the Israelites' return to the promised land. He also warns us against apathy and indifference in our relationship with God, as we see Israel display towards the temple. Today's readings are Ezra 1-2, Haggai 1-2, and Proverbs 20:1-3. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

The books of Ezra and Nehemiah were originally part of one book but they got separated along the way as the book was translated. The author of this book and the author of 1 & 2 Chronicles are one and the same. This means Ezra continues where 2 Chronicles left off: recall that the temple had been destroyed, Jerusalem had been ravaged, and the people of God were sent into exile. Finally, King Cyrus of Persia declared that God's people could return. Once we make it through some of the population tallies at the beginning, we get to see what happens when God's people return to Judah. Before they even begin to rebuild the walls of the city, they prioritize rebuilding the temple, but even before that, they begin to worship God according to the Scriptures.Ezra 1 - 1:09 . Ezra 2 - 3:31 . Ezra 3 - 11:40 . Ezra 4 - 15:14 . Isaiah 15 - 20:40 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Fr. Mike highlights the works of King Cyrus, who we met yesterday, and how he is able to contribute to the will of God without actually knowing him. Cyrus not only shows us that no soul is ever too far for God's grace, but that God makes all things new, and is able to bring beautiful blessings from the most desperate situations. Today's readings are Isaiah 45-46, Ezekiel 6-7, and Proverbs 12:9-12. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

On today's broadcast, Lance discusses current events and makes predictions based on biblical patterns. He shares his perspective on the 2020 election and controversies surrounding Donald Trump while drawing parallels between Trump and biblical figures like King Cyrus. We're providing insight so you are "not troubled" by what may come. You must check this out to hear what challenges Christians may face and how to prepare.